Back on Terra Firma!

Friday, March 21st, we docked in Lisbon at 1 pm but we would not be disembarking until the following morning.  Because I would be staying on in Portugal for another 11 days, I decided to just stay on the ship.  Of course, I had to pack up my stuff - it's always sad when you come to the end of a cruise and have to do that - and I wanted to rest as well.  

I stopped by The Den at 5 before heading upstairs to the Living Room to chat with Ruby and Donovan who had been so fantastic throughout the cruise.  Ruby is a true gem and Azamara is lucky to have her.  

Astrid was performing there at 5:45 as her show earlier in the cruise had to be cancelled because of the rough seas.  Even though she couldn't do her full show which I'd seen on my cruise last October, she is a very talented person and we enjoyed hearing her sing some of her favourite songs.  

Lisa, Vanessa, Toby and I had dinner together in the dining room - these were three of the passengers I had connected with on the cruise.  Dinner was filet mignon and it was so much better than the steak I’d had the previous night.  And, for dessert, one of my favourite desserts, iles flottantes, was on the menu so I naturally had to have that.

  

Later, I went to The Den and asked Ruby to make me a Smoking Negroni - well, that will be the one and only time I try one of those!  It was like drinking a cocktail through a cigarette.  I only managed a couple of sips and gave up.  A Bellini is much more my taste!

The following morning, I disembarked just before 9 and, as I walked out of the terminal, there was a rainbow over Lisbon.  It was lovely.  My friend, John, picked me up and we headed to Azeitao, on the other side of the Tagus River, not far from Setubal.  I would be staying with him and his partner for the next 11 days. 

This was one of the most enjoyable cruises I have been on - not because of the ship, the crew and the destinations (all of which were super) but because I met so many lovely people.  That is what made the difference for me.  It was, simply, loads of fun!  I do have to say that it took me a few days after that before i didn't feel that the earth was moving or swaying.  Those rough seas seem to have affected me more than I thought.  

So, for the next 11 days, I will be staying on in Portugal.  The first week, I will be in Azeitao with my friends.  I am sure that will involve lots of dinner parties but also a chance to see some places nearby.  Later, John and I will be doing a road trip to other parts of Portugal that I haven't seen.  I will continue to blog when I can so please follow along if you are interested.  Thanks.